Watermakers – technically known as desalination units – use a process called reverse osmosis (RO) to make drinking water. By forcing salty water at a high pressure against one side…
Gear
Everything you need to know about watermakers
The feeling of autonomy that a watermaker gives a yacht is unique. It transforms that weekend-only cruiser into a go-anywhere, life-on-the-hook, adventure craft, breaking the tether to marinas. Filling your…
Boat intercom system tested: Crew-Talk Plus
A boat intercom system has a place on a racing yacht but how useful is it for cruisers? Toby Heppell tests the Crew-Talk Plus to find out
Rebuilding a yacht’s navigation system using Raspberry Pi
Back in May 2021, my wife Lydia and I purchased our first boat, a 1994 Dehler 34 called Troppo Bella, and spent the summer exploring the beautiful waters around Conwy.…
When to replace yacht sails and how to make old sails last longer
Having owned my 1984 Sadler 29, Pasque, for four years, and cruising with family and, more recently, small children on board, we began to get to know her foibles. She…
Yacht rigging: your essential pre-season rig check guide
During the spring fit-out we often appear to lavish far more attention on the engine and electrical systems than we do on the rig, despite the latter presenting a much…
The best tidal apps for cruising sailors
Tidal data is getting easier and cheaper to download. Sam Fortescue reviews the latest options in an increasingly crowded market and choses the best tidal apps for sailors
Best weather apps for sailors
Weather data is getting easier and cheaper to download. Sam Fortescue reviews the latest options and chooses the best weather apps for sailors
How it works: the boat alternator
Engine power relies on a healthy boat alternator. Callum Smedley shares how to keep it running smoothly
Marine electrics: How to solve any problem onboard
After engine breakdowns, electrical failure is the second most common reason for a yacht becoming stranded. Duncan Kent explains how to troubleshoot problems with your marine electrics